Pet Project: ‘Four-Legged Furry Cowpokes’ Hit the Catwalk for a Cause

Pet Project: ‘Four-Legged Furry Cowpokes’ Hit the Catwalk for a Cause

Deborah Duncan, Nadia Tajalli, Susan Boggio

A DOGGONE GOODTIME — and purr-fectly lovely afternoon — was had by all pet lovers at the 11th annual Wags and Whiskers Brunch, benefiting Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s Animeals program.


The sold-out event at the Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District, a fashion show of sorts produced by Todd Ramos, raised more than $113,000 “to provide pet food, toys and preventative vet care supplies to over 1,300 pets of homebound seniors,” said a rep for the nonprofit. Supporters of the cause and their pets — duded up in Western theme, nodding to the “Bow Wow West” motif — took to the runway.

“Walking the catwalk for Interfaith Ministries were Roger Applewhite and Keyser Soze, Ivonne Camarena and Don Cheto the cat, Beth Clark and Yeti, Freddy Cruz and Sparrow, Louise Goldberg and Rosie, Karen Jankowsi and Bella Donahue, Kian Tavackoli and Moose, and Beth Wolff and Dandy,” said the rep. Media-personality judges, including the Houston Chronicle’s Joy Sewing and TV host Deborah Duncan, awarded Bella, Rosie and Moose took first, second and third place respectively.

Co-Chair for the ever were Shirin and Saied Alavi and the doctors Vasant Garg and Kim Tran. “Emcee Casey Curry welcomed guests and four-legged furry cowpokes to a rootin’ tootin’ fun and inspiring program,” the Ministries rep gushed. CEO Martin Cominsky and board chair Kathy C. Flanagan were also on hand.

Guests enjoyed a delicious cool-weather menu that began with a sort of roasted cauliflower potpie, follow by herbed chicken, turmeric rice and balsamic Brussel sprouts. Tres leches cake and strawberry shortcake for dessert!

VIPs in the crowd included Cynthia Wolff, Cheryl Byington, Connie Kwan-Wong, Gregg Harrison and Barbara Van Postman.


Beth Wolff and Dandy

Rev. Dr. Tamla Wilson, Dr. Kathy Flanagan, Joy Sewing

Ivonne Camareno and Don Cheto

Dr. Vasant Garg, Shirin Alavi, Saied Alavi

Karen and Jay Harberg

Louise Goldberg and Rosie

Nadia Tajalli, Martin B. Cominsky, Rev. Dr. Tamla Wilson, Dr. Kathy Flanagan

Todd Ramos and Deborah Duncan

Beth Clark and Yeti

People + Places

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep Reading Show less

Dierks Bentley performs Saturday, May 11 (photo via Instagram)

ADVERTISED AS THREE days of "bands, brisket and beers," the Big As Texas music and food festival debuts at Montgomery County Fairgrounds in less than two weeks. Set for Mother's Day Weekend, the event is co-produced by the country-music experts at Dosey Doe, and funds will benefit organizations with a mission of suicide prevention.

Keep Reading Show less
Food